On Monday, France accomplished a significant milestone by incorporating the right to abortion into its Constitution, marking a global precedent. This development was met with enthusiastic acclaim from women's rights advocates, who deemed it a historic achievement. Conversely, it faced vehement opposition from anti-abortion factions. The decision received overwhelming support from both MPs and senators, with 780 votes in favor and 72 against, during a special joint session of parliament held within the resplendent confines of Versailles Palace, situated just outside Paris.
In the heart of central Paris, amidst cheers and applause from abortion rights activists, the iconic Eiffel Tower illuminated the skyline, projecting the message "MyBodyMyChoice" on a colossal screen as the outcome of the vote was announced. Unlike in the United States and numerous other nations, abortion rights enjoy broader acceptance in France, with approximately 80% of the populace endorsing its legality, as indicated by polls.
Prime Minister Gabriel Attal emphasized the significance of the decision, asserting, "We're sending a message to all women: your body belongs to you and no one can decide for you." Although French women have legally had access to abortion since the passage of a 1974 law, the decision by the US Supreme Court in 2022 to overturn the Roe v. Wade ruling, which safeguarded women's constitutional right to abortion, spurred activists to advocate for explicit constitutional protection in France.
Laura Slimani, representing the Fondation des Femmes rights group, expressed a mixture of emotions, stating, "There's a lot of emotion, as a feminist activist, also as a woman."
The incorporation of the right to abortion into Article 34 of the French Constitution solidifies the "guaranteed freedom" for women to seek abortion services. Yael Braun-Pivet, head of the lower house of parliament, hailed France's pioneering stance on the issue, affirming, "France is at the forefront."
However, the move did not go unchallenged. Far-right leader Marine Le Pen accused President Macron of exploiting the issue for political gain, given the widespread support for abortion rights in the country. She downplayed its historic significance, arguing that the right to abortion was not under threat in France.
Pascale Moriniere, president of the Association of Catholic Families, viewed the development as a setback for anti-abortion advocates, lamenting its implications for women and unborn children. She criticized the decision to enshrine abortion rights in the constitution, asserting that it needlessly imported a debate from the United States and was driven by feminist groups' panic following the repeal of Roe v. Wade.
